Mobile hydraulic hose and parts supplier

Farms, construction and landscaping firms, logging and quarry operators, and fleet or equipment repair shops.

You sell parts and made-to-length hoses at a markup, often with a call-out or delivery fee. Account customers with regular orders give steady income.

• Hydraulic parts knowledge
• Hands-on work and driving
• Customer service under time pressure

• General liability and product liability insurance, plus commercial auto cover for the van
• A badly made hose can fail under high pressure and cause injury, so follow the manufacturer's crimping specs and keep records
• Check how your state handles sales tax on parts and labor
• Check storage and transport rules for hydraulic fluid and any local business license requirements
• Stock ties up cash, so start with the fastest-moving sizes

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your van, the stock you carry and your hose crimper. Stock ties up cash, so starting with the fastest-moving sizes can help. These are estimates only.

Monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how many farms, contractors and repair shops you serve and how often machines break down in your area. Treat this as an estimate.

Check general and product liability insurance plus commercial auto cover. Follow manufacturer crimping specs and keep records, since a bad hose can cause injury. Also check state sales tax on parts and labor, hydraulic fluid storage and transport rules, and local business licenses.